The salary cap situation for the New Orleans is tight. The team has to make a lot of decisions before the 2014 season if they want to re-sign Jimmy Graham and have enough money for free agent upgrades. As a result, players are getting released or being shopped in potential trades to help make room.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the Saints are currently shopping both Pierre Thomas and Darren Sproles to other teams. Sources believe there is a big market for running backs this season and the Saints believe that with the rise of Mark Ingram late in the 2013 season, they have two that could be swooped up.
Getting rid of both Thomas and Sproles would free up a solid amount of space. Thomas is due $2.9 million plus bonuses in the final year of his contract while Sproles is owed $3.5 million and bonuses in the final year of his deal. While both players have been very productive for the Saints in recent years, the team simply cannot afford to keep them on. After franchising Graham, New Orleans is right at the salary cap max. They still need to make room to re-sign free agents and have enough money for drafted rookies.
Both Sproles and Thomas will get picked up quickly in free agency. Last season, Thomas put up 549 yards in the three-man rotation while catching a career-high 77 passes for 517 yards and five touchdowns. Sproles had a down year, putting up 220 yards and catching 71 passes for 604 yards.
The Oakland Raiders could be a candidate for either player. Darren McFadden is not expected to return and Rashad Jennings might also depart in free agency, leaving the team with nothing. The Atlanta Falcons are in the market for a running back after Jason Snelling opted to retire. Stephen Jackson will return as the starter, but injuries had him miss half the season last year, leaving the Falcons incredibly shorthanded.
The Saints might have to be willing to accept anything for either running back if they intend to trade them. This year's NFL Draft is also deep at the position and teams will not be willing to sacrifice draft picks for players with years in the league. If they cannot find a trade, both running backs will likely be released.